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Famous Composers
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 2 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release date: 11-07-05
- Language: English
- Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks
Regular price: $12.59
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The lives and music of the great composers of classical music unfold in this entertaining account, introduced by the conductor and musical personality Marin Alsop. In 1200 years, classical music grew from the chanting of medieval monks through the symphonies of Beethoven and the grand operas of Wagner to the huge orchestral sound-world of the 21st century, with its electronics and its film music.
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Set against the music we know and love, Mozart, Beethoven, and many more come alive through their correspondence. Poignant, funny, revealing, informative and so often direct and honest, these letters offer a fascinating insight into the personalities that created our Western musical tradition.
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Editorial Reviews
Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Dvorak, and Shostakovich make up this delightful introduction to famous composers, an Audie-nominated production filled with re-enactments, musical excerpts, and facts on the six composers. Adult or child can certainly gain an understanding about the composers' lives, as well as the relevance of their music. Some information may elude the listener, such as particular music cues in each excerpt, but one can't help walking away with a better appreciation of music overall. While the accents seem unnecessary, the reenactments prove to be a good vehicle for educating listeners. Marin Alsop narrates the text in a light and welcoming voice that creates an enjoyable atmosphere for learning.
Publisher's Summary
Following on the success of The Story of Classical Music, Darren Henley and Marin Alsop combine forces again to tell, in more detail, the lives of six key composers: Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, and Shostakovich. Their colourful lives and their love of music are told against the backdrop of some of their finest works, an ideal combination.
Critic Reviews
- 2005 Audie Award Winner, Original Work
More from the same
What members say
Average Customer Ratings
Overall
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3.5 out of 5 stars
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5 Stars7
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4 Stars13
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3 Stars8
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2 Stars1
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1 Stars3
Performance
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 Stars5
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4 Stars6
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3 Stars3
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2 Stars0
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1 Stars0
Story
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 Stars4
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4 Stars7
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3 Stars4
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2 Stars0
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1 Stars0
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Elaine
- Hong KongHong Kong
- 03-04-07
Enjoyable
This is a great beginner's guide to classical music and famous composers. The good use of narration, dialogue/role-play, songs and sound effects make this a well-executed audiobook.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- lindal
- 04-16-15
Light, but interesting
Would have enjoyed more details, but an interesting overview of these great composers. Easy enough story I may have my granddaughter listen to it as well.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- TZVI SZAJNBRUM
- 06-20-12
Classical Music for Dummies
This short audio book was geared for young listeners but I thoroughly enjoyed it as I am quite ignorant when it comes to classical music. I was provided with a short concise history and overview of five main composers. I listen now with a more practiced ear!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- aLovingParent
- HOUSTON, TX, United States
- 04-05-12
love it, great starter for kids.
Any additional comments?
love it, great starter for kids.
I don't know why another reviewer is saying that the composer's names are not mentioned (which is not true at all). I am so happy I bought this rather than mis leaded by that review.
Not only the composers' names are clearly mentioned, the story is dramatised, the music and story are beautifully connected together. Whatelse do you expect from a educational and entertaining audio book for kids!
I would recommend this to all my friends.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Seung
- 01-25-12
amazing!
What does Marin Alsop bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
This audiobook helped me & my kids understand better about famous musicians with corresponding music here & there while we are on the road. My 7 year old boy is enjoying this audiobook so much in the car, listening to the stories of famous musicians and their musics. Fantastic! Love it!
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
- Tammy
- Powell, OH, USA
- 09-23-08
Entertaining but clearly intended for children
The description shoud say intended for elementary age children.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
- Kim
- Yonkers, NY, USA
- 07-31-08
Disappointing
The description should state that this is intended for children, not adults.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
- Stanley
- Farmington Hills, MI, USA
- 02-15-06
Juvenile telling
I listened to the first 25 minutes of the book and gave up. It begins by telling an anecdote, but not naming the composer. Then a short snippet of music. This gets repeated for more unnamed composers. Seems like a juvenile way of beginning what I hoped would be informative biographies. Very unsatisfactory.
Stan Beattie
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
- Marcus
- 10-10-06
Start Here
An excellent starting point for understanding and enjoying classical music good for children of about 12 and up but I enjoyed it as an adult.